The effects of phonocardioscan screening and cardiologist follow-up procedures on delabeled cardiac patients among school-age children PublicDeposited

Descriptions

The purpose of this study was three-fold: to determine how
the false assumption of an abnormal heart condition affected the
lives of false-positive students; the effects of phonocardioscan screening
and cardiologist follow-up procedures on delabeled school children;
and the effectiveness of the follow-up procedures used in
delabeling the false-positive students. A questionnaire was mailed
to the parents and teachers of 137 fourth-grade students living in
the greater Portland area. These students were classified false-positive
through the phonocardioscan screening program conducted
as a demonstration project by the Oregon Heart Association during
the school year 1969-70. Questionnaires were returned by 74.5
percent of the parents and 80.9 percent of the teachers. Statistical procedures utilized to analyze the data included
parameter analyses to determine common properties descriptive
of the population studied; Chi² analyses to determine applicable levels
of confidence; and item analyses comparing teacher and parent-child
responses within comparable areas. The major findings of this study
are summarized in the following paragraphs.
Of the total parent-child respondents, 9.18 percent were
restricted in their activities; 66. 32 percent were not restricted but
had been delabeled as a result of the screening program; and 24.5
percent had been delabeled prior to screening and had not been
restricted.
Following delabeling, 77.8 percent of the restricted group were
removed from the restricted category, while 22.2 percent were still
restricted. The high percent of delabeled students indicates the
tremendous benefit derived from the screening program.
Among the restricted group an improvement in academic
achievement was noted following delabeling. Of great interest was
the fact that 22.2 percent of the respondents indicated that their
improvement in academic achievement had occurred following delabeling.
Prior to delabeling 22.2 percent of the restricted group were
below average in social acceptance, whereas following the delabeling
process all were average or above in this category. The majority of respondents indicated that the students' school
health records did not accurately reflect the current health status
of their hearts. Furthermore, 88.9 percent of the delabeled
respondents and 55.6 percent of the nondelabeled respondents indicated
that the students' health records had not been changed following
delabeling. These data reveal a critical need for maintaining more
accurate and current school health records.
Although a great diversity of personnel were involved in the
follow-up procedure, well over 50 percent of the participating
parent-child and teacher respondents indicated that they had not
been informed of the screening results. This emphasizes the need
for a systematic, organized, follow-up program.